New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) with a focus on Engineering
Start here to prepare for diploma-level study in engineering. Successful completion will ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical).
Domestic
About the programme
Now you can begin your journey to become an engineering technician no matter what your academic background!
Do you want to prepare for diploma-level study in engineering? Then this bridging programme is the perfect option.
Successful completion will ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical) so you can achieve your goal of becoming an engineering technician.
Our modern equipment and facilities will allow you to gain industry-relevant knowledge through hands-on learning. Many of our staff are experienced industry practitioners which means that you will benefit from their high level of skill and up-to-date expertise.
* This programme name is currently under review and is proposed to change to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) from 2025.
International
About the programme
Now you can begin your journey to become an engineering technician no matter what your academic background!
Do you want to prepare for diploma-level study in engineering? Then this bridging programme is the perfect option.
Successful completion will ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for our New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical or Electrical) so you can achieve your goal of becoming an engineering technician.
Our modern equipment and facilities will allow you to gain industry-relevant knowledge through hands-on learning. Many of our staff are experienced industry practitioners which means that you will benefit from their high level of skill and up-to-date expertise.
* This programme name is currently under review and is proposed to change to the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) from 2025.
What You Study
Courses
|
New Zealand Certificate in Study and |
Level |
Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Career and study skills (Engineering context) |
3 |
15 |
|
Communication for academic purposes (Engineering context) |
3 |
15 |
|
Maths for engineering |
3 |
15 |
|
Physics for engineering |
3 |
15 |
|
Programme total |
60 |
Workload
Your workload
You will be expected to study for (approximately) 40 hours per week. This will consist of lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and your own study time. Assessment is continuous throughout the semester. Assignments are issued regularly and there are end of semester exams.
Entry
Skills needed to work in this area
- A strong interest in being either a Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Self-motivation and commitment
- A good work ethic
Entry requirements
- Open entry
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Please note: This programme will only run if there are sufficient numbers.
Selection process
You will be interviewed to assess your suitability for this programme. If it is in your best interests, we may recommend an alternative programme for you.
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
You will need to provide your own personal stationery and a calculator. It is strongly recommended that you have access to a wifi-capable laptop to assist you with your studies.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
